Ancient Greek Art

What are the main artistic trends in Ancient Greek art?

Geometric, Orientalizing, Archaic, Early Classical, High Classical, Late Classical, and Hellenistic.

What time period does the Geometric era of Greek art cover?

900—700 BCE.

What is the significance of Praxiteles' 'Aphrodite of Knidos'?

It is a composite of Roman copies after the original marble of c. 350 BCE, showcasing idealized beauty.

What characterizes Hellenistic art?

More emotion, movement, realism, and theatricality.

What was the purpose of the Mouseion of Alexandria?

To serve as a key intellectual hub, collecting all knowledge in the world.

Who founded the city of Alexandria?

Ptolemy I Soter.

What are Roman Virtues?

Pietas, Virtus, Gravitas, Dignitas, and Disciplina.

What does the term 'Phalanx formation' refer to?

A military formation used by Phillip II of Macedon and later by Alexander the Great.

What is the significance of the Great Altar of Pergamon?

Constructed between 175-150 BCE, it is an example of Hellenistic art and architecture, now located in Berlin.

What does 'Neo-classicism' represent?

A style that draws on classical antiquity to create a vision of society, often using pure, white marble.

What was the impact of the French Revolution on art?

It changed the social and political structure of France, influencing artistic expression and ideals.

What is the 'Oath of the Horatii' by David about?

It depicts the theme of sacrifice for the state, contrasting strong men and swooning women.

What is the height of the 'Nike of Samothrace'?

It stands at 180 BCE and is now located in the Louvre.

What are the key ideas of Neoclassicism?

Antiquity is constructed, it fuses Greek and Roman styles, is used for political messaging, and serves as a tool of power.

What is the significance of the Ara Pacis Augustae?

It is an altar dedicated to peace, built between 13-9 BCE, showcasing Roman artistic achievements.

What does the term 'Dying Gallic Trumpeter' refer to?

A Roman copy of a bronze statue from c. 220 BCE, representing Hellenistic art's emotional depth.

What is the role of the patricians in Roman society?

They were the wealthy upper class, holding significant power and influence.

What does 'Disciplina' represent in Roman virtues?

Strict adherence to training, order, and self-control.

What is the significance of the 'Barberini Togatus'?

A marble bust from the end of the 1st century BCE, representing Roman portraiture and ancestry.

What does 'Gravitas' mean in the context of Roman virtues?

A sense of responsibility, moral rigor, and dedication to duty.

What was the impact of Johann Joachim Winckelmann on art history?

He published 'The History of Art in Antiquity' in 1764, influencing the understanding of classical art.

What is the significance of the 'Augustus of Primaporta' statue?

It is a marble statue from the early 1st century CE, possibly a copy of a bronze statue, symbolizing imperial power.

What does the term 'Tanagra figurines' refer to?

Small terracotta figures from the Hellenistic period, often depicting genre scenes.

What is the height of 'Laocoön and His Sons'?

It stands at 8 feet (2.44 m) and is a significant example of Hellenistic sculpture.

What are Nilotic Scenes in art?

Artworks depicting scenes from the Nile, often associated with the Serapis cult.

What does 'Virtus' signify in Roman virtues?

Bravery in battle, character, and moral integrity.

Geometric Period

900—700 BCE

Orientalizing Period

700—600 BCE

Archaic Period

600—480 BCE

Early Classical Period

480—450 BCE

High Classical Period

450—400 BCE

Late Classical Period

400—323 BCE

Hellenistic Period

323—31 BCE

Hermes and the Infant Dionysos

Probably a Hellenistic or Roman copy after a Late Classical 4th-century BCE original.

Aphrodite of Knidos

Composite of two similar Roman copies after the original marble of c. 350 BCE.

Phalanx Formation

Military formation used by Phillip II of Macedon.

Diadochi

Successors of Alexander who fought for control of the empire.

Hellenistic Art Characteristics

1. More emotion 2. More movement 3. More realism 4. Theatricality

Great Altar of Pergamon

175-150 BCE, all marble, now in Berlin.

Mouseion of Alexandria

Museum founded by Ptolemy I, key intellectual hub.

Serapis Cult

A religious cult that combined Greek and Egyptian deities.

Laocoön and His Sons

Original of 1st century BCE, marble, height 8' (2.44 m).

Nike of Samothrace

Sanctuary of the Great Gods, Samonthrace, 180 BCE, marble.

Roman Virtues

Pietas, Virtus, Gravitas, Dignitas, Disciplina.

Augustus of Primaporta

Early 1st century CE, marble, height 6'8" (2.03 m).

Ara Pacis Augustae

Rome, 13-9 BCE, marble, approx. 34'5" × 38" (10.5 × 11.6 m).

Neoclassicism

Art style based on antiquity, emphasizing clarity and rationality.

David

Most important neoclassical painter, known for works like Oath of the Horatii.

Panthéon

Church of Sainte-Genevieve, Paris, integrating Roman and baroque styles.

Hercules (Disney Movie)

Know the plot line and main characters.